Riassunto dello studio

Ninety patients with calcaneal spur-related symptoms were randomized to receive either Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) (n=45) or High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) (n=45). The primary outcome was pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) and functional outcomes (Foot Function Index [FFI]). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM), Roles and Maudsley scores, and AOFAS scores. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and three months. Overall, the study revealed significant improvements in pain and functional scores in both groups, with ESWT demonstrating slightly superior improvements in functional outcomes compared to HILT. The main findings suggest that both ESWT and HILT are effective non-invasive treatments for calcaneal spur, with ESWT showing marginally better functional outcomes.